The stage is set: Florence in late spring. When I first received the exquisitely illustrated invitation box from Cartier, and opened it to discover that the rendezvous point for Le Voyage Recommencé was Florence, the capital city of Tuscany, I thought it was sheer genius. Apart from the ancient city being my favourite in the whole wide world, it is the birthplace of the Renaissance.
Botticelli, Michelangelo, Dante, the revival of Greek and Roman philosophies, the Brunelleschi Dome, the innovation of techniques like perspective and chiaroscuro in art, the Gates of Paradise - all had come from the wellspring that is 15th to 16th century Firenze. Then a wealthy independent city-state, it became the seat of modern European thought and worldview, and where the Medici empire was a pioneer in modern banking, and in my opinion, tastemaking.
Florence was where it all began, and now, finally when the world is moving in full swing again, we will be recommencing our journey of beauty in this glorious city.
NO BETTER PLACE
The sun is high, and the weather perfect, when we set off from Florence into the Tuscan countryside. The previous evening had officially marked the start of our adventure, of the vino kind, at the stunningly contemporary Antinori Chanti Classico Winery an hour's drive from the city.
This morning's destination - the historic Villa Reale di Marlia dating back to the 9th century just outside the city of Lucca - will show off another side of the region's charms. Upon our arrival, a glow is radiating from the newly restored national monument, which used to be the home of Elisa Bonaparte, the French emperor's sister, during her reign as Princess of Lucca from 1806 to 1814. Later owned by socialite Countess Mimi PecciBlunt, the property had seen guests the likes of Grace Kelly, Jacqueline Kennedy, Jean Cocteau and the Duke of Windsor.
Denne historien er fra August 2023-utgaven av Prestige Singapore.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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Denne historien er fra August 2023-utgaven av Prestige Singapore.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Sailing Into A Dream
Scenes from the fantasy feature Game of Thrones come to life in the otherworldly landscapes of the Arctic Circle.
Here Come The Sun Seats
Italian furniture has long held the crown for blending luxurious, sophisticated design with impeccable craftsmanship.
ABSOLUMENT FAB
France's premier fair for fine-art and antiques returns for its third edition inside its new home in the Grand Palais.
Through the Director's Lens
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THE CUTTING EDGE
Having long played quiet supporting roles in the gem industry, gem cutters are finally having their day in the sun. Four acclaimed independent master gem cutters share more about their love of the craft and the creation of their best pieces.
Spheres of Power
Following up on the gold- and titanium-focused Tiffany Titan by Pharrell Williams launch collection, the superstar now turns to pearls for a softer, but no less striking, second act.
Horological Masterpieces Reimagined
Beyond the wrist, these timekeepers transcend all traditional boundaries.
WILD IMAGINATION
Cartier's latest category-spanning Panthère de Cartier novelties showcase the endless ways in which the panther continues to inspire.
READY FOR ACTION
The latest watch to come from the celebrated Richard Mille and McLaren partnership looks set to be another trailblazing timepiece.
THE RIGHT ANGLES
Twenty-five years after the launch of its last new collection, Twenty-4, Patek Philippe introduces the Cubitus range.
